The European Union (EU) stands out as a fascinatingly unique political organisation. On the one hand, it has shown the potential for developing deep and wide-ranging cooperation between member states, going far beyond that found anywhere else in the world. On the other, it is currently in the throes of a phase of profound uncertainty about its viability and future.

Showing how and why the EU has developed from 1950 to the present day, this Very Short Introduction covers a range of topics, inc...

How do plants, animals, and humans manage to survive and adapt to the urban environment? This book provides a comprehensive coverage of biological matters related to urban environments presenting both the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings, and practical examples required to understand and address the challenges presented by this novel environment. The Biology of Urban Environments focusses on urban denizens: species (both domesticated and non-domesticated) that live for all or part of ...

To the Western imagination, Tibet evokes exoticism, mysticism, and wonder: a fabled land removed from the grinding onslaught of modernity, spiritually endowed with all that the West has lost. Originally published in 1998, Prisoners of Shangri-La provided the first cultural history of the strange encounter between Tibetan Buddhism and the West. Donald Lopez reveals here fanciful misconceptions of Tibetan life and religion.

He examines, among much else, the politics of the term "Lamaism," a pej...

Light Rail Transit Systems: 61 Lessons in Sustainable Urban Development shows how to design and operate light rail to maximize its social benefits. Readers will learn how to understand the value of light rail and tactics on its effective integration into communities. It uses strong supporting evidence and theory drawn from the author's team and their extensive experience in developing new light rail systems.

The book uses numerous case studies to demonstrate how key concepts can bridge the ge...

Hidden Persuaders of Cocoa and Chocolate: A Flavor Lexicon for Cocoa and Chocolate Sensory Professionals provides an overview of the tastes, aromas and notes describing cocoa and chocolate. In addition to exploring tastes, aromas and notes, the book broadens the language for describing chocolate by relating tasting experiences to the process of pairing flavors. This resource, designed for both academics and those working in research and development, equips the reader to describe these attribu...

For one-semeseter sophomore- or junior-level courses in Differential Equations. Fundamentals of Differential Equations presents the basic theory of differential equations and offers a variety of modern applications in science and engineering. Also available in the version Fundamentals of Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems, these flexible texts offer the instructor many choices in syllabus design, course emphasis (theory, methodology, applications, and numerical methods), and ...

Mariana Mazzucato is Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL), where she is also Founder and Director of the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Her widely published research focuses on the relationship between public policy, innovation, and economic growth and she advises policymakers around the world on how to steer innovation so that it produces growth that is more inclusive and sustainable. She is co-editor of Rethinking Capital...

What does it mean to say that we live in a secular age? Almost everyone would agree that we - in the West, at least - largely do. And clearly the place of religion in our societies has changed profoundly in the last few centuries. In what will be a defining book for our time, Charles Taylor takes up the question of what these changes mean - of what, precisely, happens when a society in which it is virtually impossible not to believe in God becomes one in which faith, even for the staunchest b...

For undergraduate Mechanics of Materials courses in Mechanical, Civil, and Aerospace Engineering departments. Thorough coverage, a highly visual presentation, and increased problem solving from an author you trust. Mechanics of Materials clearly and thoroughly presents the theory and supports the application of essential mechanics of materials principles.

Professor Hibbeler's concise writing style, countless examples, and stunning four-color photorealistic art program - all shaped by the comm...

In order to run a successful business, today's manager needs to combine business skills with an understanding of information systems and the opportunities and benefits that they bring to an organisation. Starting from basic concepts, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to:understanding the technology of business information systems; choosing the right information system for an organisation; developing and managing an efficient business information system; employing informa...